The Center for Woodstock History

Mission Statement

The purpose of this Society shall be to acquire and preserve historical knowledge and materials of Woodstock, CT.

It shall promote this history by every feasible means to as wide an audience as possible.

Upcoming events: "After the Revolution"

With the war at an end, rural New England could not simply return to old habits and traditions. Everyday life had been impacted despite the fact that after initial campaigns, the active battle ground moved south. And while the local economy had been buoyed by the production of war material, including arms, food and clothing, the world suddenly looked different. War casualties had reduced farm labor and new more fertile lands opening in Pennsylvania and Ohio became an attractive alternative to the stony fields of the Northeast. 

The Woodstock Historical Society is collaborating with Old Sturbridge Village on two evening presentations that provide a fascinating look into the lives of rural New Englanders in the decades after the Revolution. 

Far Above the Country Mediocrity - Sept 24th

Sturbridge specialists Marlene Healey, Coordinator of Households, and Jean Contino, Coordinator of Domestic crafts will explore how everyday life changed in the decades following the Revolution. They will compare life in a rural New England home of the 1770s to that of the 1830s. How were homes furnished and decorated? What changes occurred in culinary traditions? How did manufacturing and transportations transform the availability of goods? What did housewives do with their newfound leisure time? 

After the First Fifty (October 8th) 

Katherine Fecteau, Curator of Exhibitions at Sturbridge will explore national transformation in the United States' after the first fifty years of a new nation through the eyes of the people who experienced it firsthand. Learn about 11 Americans whose lives shed light on the change, innovation, and emerging spirit of reform that influenced this period in our history. 

Both programs begin at 6.30pm

Seating is limited. RESERVATIONS ARE REQUIRED

To reserve, send an email to welcome@centerforwoodstockhistory.com

Please say which program(s) you wish to attend and if you want 1 or 2 

Research, Inquiries & Exhibition viewing

For Land records and ownership of property from previous years we suggest that you contact the town hall in Woodstock, who have a comprehensive account of all property and land ownership records of the area. Once you have historical names and locations of property, the society can help you research more information.

Research inquiries and appointments: Please email: welcome@centerforwoodstockhistory.com

Exhibitions viewing Sunday 10am - 1pm

The Original Woodstock

Before it was a colonial settlement, Woodstock was Wabaquasset, a vital 12,000-year-old crossroads for the Nipmuc people and home to one of the region's largest "Praying Indian" towns. From the arrival of the "Thirteen Goers" to a high-stakes legal battle that saw the town secede from Massachusetts, our history is a story of resilience and transformation. [Read the Full Story]

For more information about Woodstock today please refer to: https://www.woodstockct.gov/